Crave

Evocative writing imbued with raw masculinity immediately grabs the reader in the second book of Ward's Fallen Angels series (after 2009's Covet). High-octane action and high-voltage chemistry surround Isaac Rothe as he attempts to escape from his special ops past. After he's arrested for participating in an underground fighting ring, Grier Childe is assigned as his public defender. Fallen angel Jim Heron, one of Isaac's former XOps comrades, is sent to kill him but comes to believe Isaac is one of the souls he must save from the dark side. Soon Jim is engaging in some fabulously gross battles with demons, assisted by two over-sexed angels somewhat reminiscent of Ward's Black Dagger heroes. The one false note in this complex story is the lust-based romance between Grier and Isaac; aside from great sex, one wonders what will hold them together once their adrenaline-induced ordeal ends. (Oct. 5)